Commission reverses decision to reinstate police officer

Officer Richard Schoen fired in May

After a week of protests, Milwaukee's Fire and Police Commission flip-flopped on its decision to reinstate Officer Richard Schoen.

The commission said it wasn't public pressure that prompted the change.

Commissioners said they misunderstood the rules when they voted to give Schoen his job back last Monday.

Squad car video showed Schoen punching a handcuffed a woman in the back of his squad car after a traffic stop in September 2011.

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn fired Schoen in May of 2012, but last week the city's police commission reinstated Schoen to the force after serving a 60-day suspension.

Once they clarified the rules, they fired him Tuesday for what they call "the good of the service."

"This has never happened before," hearing examiner John Carter said.

After a week of protests, commissioners reconvened to reconsider their decision to reinstate Schoen over his lawyer's objections.

Commissioners said last week they were unaware the rules allowed them to defer to the chief's recommendation for the good of the department.

"A measure of deference to the chief's decision is permissible and perhaps even required," Commissioner Michael O'Hear said.

After a half hour behind closed doors, the commissioners fired Schoen. Schoen wasn't there to hear it. Last week, he expressed thanks to the commission for reinstating him.

"I still believe I was somewhat justified," Schoen said.

No one answered at Schoen's home Tuesday, but in a written statement, the police union said, "On behalf of the membership of the Milwaukee Police Association and the family of Officer Schoen, we are extremely disappointed in the Commission."

"Even Aaron Rodgers fumbles the ball sometimes, throws an interception. When that happens you pick up the ball and keep running and you take action to make sure it doesn't happen again," Mike Tobin said.

"It was terrible. I didn't know what was about to happen. I thought I was about to lose my life. I couldn't protect myself. I couldn't do nothing," said Jeanine Tracy, the woman in the squad car dashcam video.

The woman in the dashcam video thanked the commissions and the public that supported her.

"I know I will be standing for others' rights because I'm so happy that others stood for me," Tracy said.

Schoen's attorney accused commissioners of buckling to public pressure. Jonathan Cermele told WISN 12 News he'll soon appeal, filing wage and wrongful termination claims as well as civil rights violations. He will ask for back pay, penalties and attorney's fees.

Milwaukee's mayor stands with the commission.

"They have now reversed themselves, and I think that is the correct decision," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said. "It's not a perfect system, but we're trying to improve it continuously."

The Milwaukee police chief had no comment Tuesday.

A victory prayer vigil was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday outside City Hall with Tracy.

Copyright 2012 byWISN.comAll rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.